National Geographic Channel’s new miniseries Breakthrough provides a thought-provoking and imaginative perspective on scientific discovery as it unfolds. To accompany this unprecedented six part event, we partnered with GE to launch a second-screen companion experience. The Breakthrough second-screen utilizes an advanced 3-D engine to create a virtual-reality-inspired experience that allows visitors to explore the revolutionary breakthroughs that are changing our world.

Designed to give viewers an even closer look at the cutting-edge innovations and advancements seen in the show, the site is presented in six parts, reflecting topics explored in each episode of the series: water, pandemics, cyborg technology, energy, longevity and brain science. Each section highlights three to four breakthroughs from the show with in-depth interviews, animated infographics, and more. Additionally, each topic area includes a look at the future implications of these breakthroughs that take users beyond what they’ll see on TV via interviews with futurists, sci-fi authors, topic experts, and science celebrities like Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.

The Breakthrough second screen is brought to life through an interface that immerses the user in a futuristic environment of floating data, surrounded by portals that lead to in-depth explorations of each topic. The virtual-reality-style navigation and motion and touch controls allow visitors to move their devices around to reveal the world of Breakthrough all around them, ready to be discovered and explored.